DCP Makharilele faces corruption charges

TEBOHO LEBESA

MASERU – Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sera Makharilele is likely to appear before court on Monday to answer charges of corruption relating to missing millions of Maloti at the government-owned technical school, Lerotholi Polytechnic – popularly known as Fokothi.

Public Eye has learned from reliable sources within the Lesotho Mounted Police Service that Makharilele’s prosecution is long overdue, having been blocked by police commissioner Lebona Lephema and leading to what the sources call ‘victimisation’ of the police Criminal Investigation Division’s head, DCP Beleme Lebajoa, who wanted to charge Makharilele.

While the finer details of the senior policeman’s charge this paper is yet to receive, Public Eye understands that the corruption charges link DCP Makharilele to Fokothi’s missing funds. The school, which was fleeced of M32 million in 2014, has, according to earlier revelations by the police, several cases of financial corruption in the hands of the police.

Called to confirm these developments earlier today, police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli, said he was not aware of any charges preferred against the senior policeman, or that he is due to appear in court on Monday on corruption charges.

However, Public Eye sources have confirmed that the file detailing Makharilele’s charges and call for prosecution have long returned from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Hlalefang Motinyane, with a directive to prosecute.

Advocate Motinyane was not available on her phone to confirm any of these developments.